INES-RUHENGERI: Students highlight major benefits from showcasing diverse cultures
On Friday, March 27, 2026, the Institut d’Enseignement Supérieur de Ruhengeri (INES-Ruhengeri), located in Musanze District in Rwanda’s Northern Province, hosted the fifth edition of the Intercultural Day, bringing together students from 20 African countries.
The event was marked by vibrant cultural exhibitions, where each country showcased its unique way of life, traditional cuisine, attire, dances, and music. It served as a platform for cultural exchange and mutual learning, aimed at strengthening unity and social cohesion among students.
Participants noted that the event helps them better understand one another and recognize shared African values. Alec Daniel Chol from South Sudan emphasized that such activities provide an opportunity to express and share cultural identity.
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“This event gives us a chance to show who we are and share our culture with others. When we interact daily, we realize that despite our differences, we are one,” she said.
Similarly, Musoya Nsenga Joel from the Democratic Republic of Congo highlighted that African cultures share many similarities and can serve as a foundation for addressing challenges facing the continent.
“Even though we differ in languages and nationalities, our cultures have a lot in common. We should build on these similarities to strengthen unity and solve our problems instead of dividing ourselves,” he noted.
The event was also attended by various officials, including Zimbabwe’s representative to Rwanda,H.E Prof Charity Manyeruke, who reminded students that education should go beyond securing employment and contribute to promoting values and love for Africa.
“Use the knowledge you gain to develop your countries and become agents of positive change on our continent,” she advised.
This message was echoed by Pascal Ngendahimana, Executive Secretary of the Northern Province, who stated that such events broaden students’ perspectives and prepare them for the global job market.
“Interaction among students from different countries enables them to learn more and prepares them to work at an international level,” he said.
The Bice chancellor of INES-Ruhengeri, Bishop Vincent Harorimana, encouraged students to build on their cultural identities while promoting unity, urging them to use their education to solve challenges in their home countries.
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“Your coming together is a great opportunity to share values and learn from one another. Make the most of it,” he said.
The 2026 Intercultural Day featured traditional dances, shared cultural meals, and presentations on the histories of different countries. It provided a valuable opportunity for deeper interaction and the preservation of African unity.
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Participating countries included Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Liberia, Comoros, Mali, Romania, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), Uganda, Sudan, Niger, Guinea, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Cameroon.
INES-Ruhengeri is a private higher learning institution established in 2003, located in Musanze near Volcanoes National Park. It offers programs in engineering, business, information technology, law, and other fields, and is recognized for promoting education aligned with Rwanda’s socio-economic development.
